03, May 2017

Are your talents not being recognised and received? Do you have a particular talent, yet God doesn’t seem to be blessing you with success? This may be the key: ‘If you are offering your gift at the altar and… remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift… go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly.’ (Matthew 5:23–25 NIV) Don’t be led by your wounded ego; be led by God’s Word.

You say, ‘The person I had the issue with is no longer around, yet I’m still troubled about it.’ Read these two Scriptures:

(1) ‘Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.’ (James 5:16 NLT)

(2) ‘If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ (John 20:23 NKJV) Share your feelings with someone worthy of your trust. Pray with them, openly confessing your wrongs and the guilt you feel. Prayer and the presence of an affirming friend can provide you with the peace of mind you seek.

After David murdered Uriah, his lover’s husband, his guilt was overwhelming and he sought God’s forgiveness. But Uriah wasn’t around to hear his confession; he’d been dead almost a year. So David turned to Nathan the prophet and poured out his heart saying, ‘I have sinned.’ Nathan listened patiently and told him, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin.’ (2 Samuel 12:13 NIV) Follow David’s example—then put the issue behind you and move on.